Fit To Fight Published Jan. 22, 2008 By Tracey Russell U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Physical fitness is a critical part of the combat readiness of our military. In addition to enhancing physical health, participation in sports and physical training provides mental health benefits, such as building esprit de corps and is a great form of stress relief for many servicemembers. Unfortunately, participation in sports and PT is also a leading cause of injuries for both deployed and non-deployed servicemembers, resulting in significant lost duty time and a decrease in readiness. The good news is PT-related fatalities have decreased by 76 percent since fiscal 2005 in the Army. The majority of these fatalities in the past three years occurred during or shortly after running, jogging or participating in a PT test. While the underlying cause of many of the fatalities is cardiac related, or due to other pre-existing health conditions, it is important to note age is not necessarily an indicator. From the beginning of fiscal 2005, there were 35 PT-related fatalities; 20 percent of those Soldiers were under the age of 25. According to the injury prevention program at the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, sports and PT injuries were the second-leading cause (18 percent) of non-battle injuries requiring Soldiers to be evacuated by air from Iraq for treatment between 2003 and June 2006. The most common injury-producing activities are basketball, football, PT and weight training, and the most common types of injuries are fractures and dislocations. There is no single or simple solution to prevent sports injuries, but they can be reduced. Using a semi-rigid brace while playing sports can reduce the probability of servicemembers suffering an ankle injury. The Air Force conducted a pilot test using this brace for intramural sports at two of its installations and found no injuries were suffered by those using these braces. Leaders, have you recently looked at where your servicemembers are participating in sports activities and PT? Locations with rocky fields, dusty courts, step-offs surrounding basketball courts or no distance between the basketball hoop and the supporting post provide a prime environment for injuries. Engaged leaders familiar with sports and PT hazards using composite risk management, can help ensure servicemembers remain safe and strong.